America Recycles Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Americans are dedicated to protecting our land, ensuring that our
air is clean, and preserving the purity of our water. To help fulfill
these responsibilities, government, businesses, community
organizations, and every citizen must work together to serve as good
stewards of all of our natural resources. On America Recycles Day, we
renew our commitment to preserving our resources by recycling and using
products made with recycled materials.

Recycling has become one of the most successful environmental
initiatives in our Nation's history. In 1990, Americans recycled or
composted 34 million tons of material. In the following decade, this
number more than doubled to nearly 70 million tons. These efforts are
helping to safeguard our environment by reducing the need for landfills
and incinerators. Last year, the Federal Government contributed to
these important goals by purchasing paper, retread tires, re-refined
oil, concrete, insulation, and other products containing recycled
materials.

Our Nation also continues to develop innovative ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle our waste. Although we have made significant
progress, much work still remains. Americans generate more than 230
million tons of solid waste each year. Simple measures can help
communities, businesses, and individuals decrease waste and extend the
use of our natural resources. Individuals and families can participate
in the recycling programs offered in their neighborhoods.

At home and in school, parents and teachers can educate children
about the benefits of recycling and the importance of caring for our
environment. By purchasing products made from recycled materials,
American consumers provide economic incentives for businesses to
collect, produce, and market more products that are recycled and
recyclable. Our recycling and reuse industry provides approximately
1.4 million jobs, producing billions of dollars in annual revenues that
contribute to the prosperity of our country. By recycling, we conserve
our valuable resources, protect our air and water from harmful
pollutants, and strengthen our economy.

On America Recycles Day, I encourage all Americans to rededicate
themselves to using our resources more wisely by reusing and recycling
the materials they purchase. Through these efforts, we help make our
communities more livable, our businesses more competitive, and our
Nation a healthier place for future generations to enjoy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim November 15, 2002, as America Recycles Day. I call upon
the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate
programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.